The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 123

The European Union in Prophecy
There are many at the present day thus clinging to the customs and traditions
of their fathers. When the Lord sends them additional light, they refuse to accept it,
because, not having been granted to their fathers, it was not received by them. We are
not placed where our fathers were; consequently our duties and responsibilities are
not the same as theirs. We shall not be approved of God in looking to the example of
our fathers to determine our duty instead of searching the word of truth for ourselves.
Our responsibility is greater than was that of our ancestors. We are accountable for
the light which they received, and which was handed down as an inheritance for us,
and we are accountable also for the additional light which is now shining upon us
from the word of God.
Said Christ of the unbelieving Jews: "If I had not come and spoken unto them,
they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin." John 15:22. The same
divine power had spoken through Luther to the emperor and princes of Germany. And
as the light shone forth from God's word, His Spirit pleaded for the last time with
many in that assembly. As Pilate, centuries before, permitted pride and popularity to
close his heart against the world's Redeemer; as the trembling Felix bade the
messenger of truth, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will
call for thee;" as the proud Agrippa confessed, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a
Christian" (Acts 24:25; 26:28), yet turned away from the Heaven-sent message--so had
Charles V, yielding to the dictates of worldly pride and policy, decided to reject the
light of truth.
Rumors of the designs against Luther were widely circulated, causing great
excitement throughout the city. The Reformer had made many friends, who, knowing
the treacherous cruelty of Rome toward all who dared expose her corruptions, resolved
that he should not be sacrificed. Hundreds of nobles pledged themselves to protect
him. Not a few openly denounced the royal message of evincing a weak submission to
the controlling power of Rome. On the gates of houses and in public places, placards
were posted, some condemning and others sustaining Luther. On one of these were
written merely the significant words of the wise man: "Woe to thee, O land, when thy
king is a child." Ecclesiastes 10:16. The popular enthusiasm in Luther's favor
throughout all Germany convinc